HONG KONG (SE): Christians around the world will commemorate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from January 18 to 25 this year, marking a significant milestone: the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. This year’s theme, inspired by the Gospel of John, is “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). It places a special focus on the Nicene Creed, the enduring symbol of unity among Christians.
The Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity has announced that the Nicene Creed will form the core of this year’s order of worship. Scripture readings and prayers throughout the week will revolve around the concept of “belief,” inviting Christians to delve deeper into their shared faith.
Resources prepared for the observance include daily prayers, reflections, and short patristic texts, drawing inspiration from early Christian writings to highlight the historical and theological context of the Nicene Council.
The prayers and reflections for 2025 have been crafted by the monastic community of Bose in northern Italy, in collaboration with an international team appointed jointly by the dicastery and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches.
These materials aim to foster unity and encourage dialogue among Christians, transcending denominational boundaries.
As the world celebrates 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea, the timeless words of the Nicene Creed serve as a reminder of the unity and shared beliefs that transcend time and tradition
Hong Kong will join the global celebration with a series of events organised by local Christian communities. An ecumenical prayer meeting in Cantonese was scheduled on January 18 at 8:00 p.m. at St. Ignatius Chapel, Kowloon. The event was co-organised by the the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, the Unity and Church Relations Committee of the Hong Kong Christian Council, who are assisted by the Joint Ecumenical Working Team. Reverend Wong Ka-wai of the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China is invited to be the speaker.
Another significant event is a joint ecumenical communion service. This gathering will take place on January 23, at 9:30am at the Sham Shui Po Tsung Tsin Church. Colonel Philip Maxwell of the Salvation Army Hong Kong and Macau Territory will deliver an address, and tea will be served after the service.
The event provides an opportunity for pastors, church staff, and faithful from different denominations to unite in fellowship and service. Prior registration was required.
A joint statement will be issued by the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, the Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and South East Asia, as well as the Hong Kong Christian Council.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 is more than a commemoration; it invites Christians to reflect on the faith that binds them together.
As the world celebrates 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea, the timeless words of the Nicene Creed serve as a reminder of the unity and shared beliefs that transcend time and tradition. The ecumenical council was held at Nicaea (now İznik, Turkey) in 325, a key moment in the history of Christian faith and for the ecumenical journey today. The Nicene Creed was first adopted during the council.
Local faithful are encouraged to participate in the Hong Kong events and embrace this unique opportunity to strengthen ties with fellow Christians.
Let this year’s observance inspire us all to reaffirm our commitment to the prayer of Jesus: “That they may all be one” (John 17:21).
